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A-lad-in a hurry!

Wishy Washy wasn't the only one at the panto having trouble with their waters...!


Published by: Isabelle Loynes
Published on: 7th January 2010

Trying to get to our seats was going to be a struggle. 'Excuse me,' I said. Juggling popcorn, a bag of Revels and a baby bump was proving difficult.
I tried wriggling along the row of seats, followed by my hubby Adam and three-year-old Isabelle. It was Christmas Eve and, having wrapped all the pressies and double-checked the fireplace wasn't blocked – on Isabelle's orders – we were about to sit down to watch Aladdin.
And if Christmas alone wasn't hectic enough, I was nine months pregnant with a boy we'd decided to call Harrison. I must have looked like a potbellied genie myself, as I sat down at the panto. 'Mummy, has it started?' asked Isabelle.
'Not yet. When that curtain goes up,' I smiled, nodding towards the stage.
As if by magic, a drum roll echoed around the theatre.
Shifting my weight and flexing my puffy ankles, I settled down waiting for the curtain to rise.
'Have you peeled the spuds for tomorrow?' I whispered to Adam, 29, as Wishy Washy appeared.
'Not yet, it'll be fine,' he said. But every mum knows Christmas takes months of planning – the perfect gravy and juicy turkey didn't just appear from nowhere!
Still, I tried to get into the festive spirit, booing and hissing with the rest of the audience.
I was so into the show, I even jumped when the Genie popped up on stage with a bang. 'You're silly, Mummy,' giggled Isabelle.
As the Genie and Aladdin took their final bow, I suddenly noticed a twinge in my tummy.
Clapping away, Adam turned to me. 'Just think, next year Harrison will be with us.'
'Um, I think he might make it this year,' I said.
As I stood, I felt a gush of water. 'My waters have broken,' I mouthed.
'I'll call an ambulance and tell the theatre,' he said, turning pale.
As the audience piled outside, I sat in my chair, trying to look like I was fussing over Isabelle. 'Mummy, it's home time,' she said.
'Let's just wait here, Daddy's… um… gone to the loo,' I said.
What were we going to do with Isabelle? She couldn't come to the hospital. And where was Adam? At this rate, the panto dame would be delivering my baby!
Then Adam came racing down the aisle towards us and knelt down beside Isabelle. 'How would you like a sleepover around Tracy's house?'
He must have called our friend and arranged for her to pick up Isabelle. 'Will Santa know where I am?' she said.
'Don't worry, I'll tell him,' I assured her.
Adam took Isabelle off to meet Tracy before coming back for me. I was in a right state!
On my way to give birth, I was still fretting about dinner! 'Right,' I said through gritted teeth at the hospital, as a contraction ripped through me. 'When you're home, peel the spuds and carrots… and check that the turkey's defrosted.
'Shall we worry about you giving birth?' said Adam.
'I'm fine,' I said, taking gas and air. 'Keep the giblets for the gravy.'
Two hours into my labour, I was still going. 'Put the turkey in first thing.'
'Forget about that, the baby's head is out,' the nurse smiled. Half an hour later, I was cradling Harrison.
But before Adam left for home, I had one final instruction.
'When you come to collect us, bring a present for Isabelle, too,' I smiled.
Next morning, they arrived to take us home.
Adam sneaked a present under my bed. 'Mummy, Santa brought you Harrison,' Isabelle gasped.
'And he brought you something too,' I said, pointing to the parcel.
Ripping it open, she spun around with a squeal. 'Baby Anabelle!'
Harrison was the best Christmas present I could have wished for. Back home, we managed to enjoy Christmas Day. Adam had even followed my panicked instructions!
This year though, I'll make sure Harrison enjoys the festivities from the start, rather than arriving for the encore!
Elizabeth Freeman, 27, Newbury, Berkshire